Temperature control device



Aug. 30, 1938. w. J. ETTINGER TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE Filed Aug. 27, 1936 Inventor":

Wal lace J .Eltti e 9 His Attorney Patented Aug. 30,1938 j UNITED STATES FATE-T" oFF-ict:

' TEMPERATURE common nEvIcE Wallace J. Ettinger, Chicago, Ill., assig'nor Edison General Electric Appliance Corporation,

Inc.', a corporation of New York Application August 2'7, 1336. Serial No. 98,186

in Claims. (niece-'13s) f This invention relates to temperature control devices, more particularly to devices for con-.

being broken away so as to illustrate certain details of construction; Fig. 3 is a view taken through the line 83 of Fig. l; and Fig. 4 is a v plan view of the temperature control device of Figs. 1 and 2. 1

Referring to thedrawing, this invention has been shown as applied to an electrically heated oven having an inner lining l0 defining a heating chamber ii and an outer lining l2 spaced from the inner lining and defining an outer casing ior the oven. Interposed between the linings it and i2 is a layer i3 of a suitable heat insulating material, such as rock wool.

The temperature control device for the oven in accordance with this invention comprises an elongated casing It, which as shown (Figs. 3 aud t) has a substantially rectangular cross-section. It is to be understood, however, that the casing may have any suitable shape. The casing H, as shown,

is directed through an aperture 15 provided for it in the outer upper wall of the lining l2 and a corresponding aperture IG provided for it in the inner lining II).

the casing is provided with a pair of outwardly extending ears H which are detachably secured to the outer lining in anysuitable manner, as by screw-fastening means i8.

', A suitable temperature responsive element l8,

shown as a bimetallic thermostat bar, isarranged within and longitudinally of the casing ll. The

lower end of the bar II isrigidly secured to 'asupport 20, which is pivotally mounted upon a pin or shalt 2| arranged transversely of the casing and having its ends secured to the side walls of the casing, in any suitable manner. The support 20,

as shown, has a pair otspaced-apart arms 22" that are pivoted on the pin II and a portion 23 connecting the arms 22 together; The inner end or the thermostat bar I! is rigidly secured to the The casing ll, of course, extends through the insulating layer It. 'At its upper end.

portion 23, in any suitable manner as by means of rivets 230i. A 4

The thermostat bar iii, as shown, extends up wardly through the portion of the casingthat projects into the heating chamber 5 l and into that portion of the casing lying between the linings iii and it, that is, into that portion of the casing sur rounded by the insulating layer iii. The upper end portion of the thermostatbar is free to move laterally inresponse to changes in temperature.

This free end of the thermostat bar i9 is arranged to operate asuitable switch 2% comprising a pair of spaced-apart fixed contacts 2% with which a bridging-contact 26 cooperates. -The bridging contact 26 has a backing formed of a base metal, such as steel, and a facing formed of a precious metal, such as silver. Thebridging contact 26 is'secured to the free end of the bimetallic bar in any suitable manner, as by means of a rivet 2?. The bridging contact is insulated from the rivet and bimetallic bar by insulating. sheets 2d formed of any suitable insulating material, such as mica. The fixed contacts 255 are mounted on a suitable supporting block 29 formed of any suitable insulating material, such as a molded phenol condensation product. The bloci: of insulating material 29 is secured to the casing in any suitable manner, as by means of rivets 30.

Q The fixed contacts 25, as shown, are secured to conducting strips 3| mounted on the insulating blockjll and secured thereto by means of rivets 31a. The block 29 is so arranged as to present the fixed contactsinto the casing through an aperture 311 provided for them in the casing. .Suitable binding screws 32 are threaded in the conducting strips 3| and .function to connect electrical conductors to the control device thatserve to connect the device in the circuit to be controlled or in a. controlling circuit 101' the circuit to be controlled. when the bridging contact engages the fixed contacts, as shownin Fig. 1, it completes the it moves away from them, it opens the circuit. The open switch position ofthe blade I s is defined? by a stop 32a? secured to. the casing.

f mounted in that portion of the casing ly ing between the oven linings is a suitable snap action compression spring. I! having its opp fl ends bearing in suitable seats 3| and I5. The seat 34, as shown, rests uponia fixed knife-edge bearing-l8, while the seat 35 rests upon a knlfe-' circuit through the control device, whereas when edge bearing'tormed. on the free. end of the bimetal blade-Ill 'IhQ-knIIe-cdse bearing is v mounted in a screw-:member' fl thatis threaded g in a supporting member 18. The supporting usmember 18 is mounted. in the upper end or the casing I4 and is secured thereto in any suitable manner, as by means of tongues 39 formed integrally with the support and directed through. apertures provided for them in the casing and peened over on the outside. The outer end of the screw 31, as shown, is accessible above the support 38, whereby its position, and hence, the position of the knife-edge bearing 36 may be adjusted. The arrangement of the snap spring and thermostat blade 19 is substantially as described and claimed in the U. S. patent to Lewerenz Re issue No. 18,654, dated June 14, 1927. As there described, the snap, spring 33 forms a toggle Joint with the thermostatic bar l5 and functions to snap the bar, and hence, the switch between its opened and closed positions. As described in this patent, the spring resists movement of the thermostat bar to carry the switch from either its opened or closed positions with a decreasing force until the bar and spring arrive at a neutral position, whereupon the spring functions to move the bar quickly through and away from the neutral position to its other controlling position with.

an increasing force. The neutral position is ticfined by an imaginary line passing substantially irom the knife-edge bearing 36 to the fixed point of support of the thermostat bar 19.

The temperature adjustment of my. control device is effected by changing the angular relation support 20 and rigidly secured thereto by rivets K 23a. The arm 4|, as shown, is provided with an aperture 42 receiving the lower end of the rod 40. This lower end of the rod 40 is provided with an abutment 43 spaced somewhat from the body proper ot the rod so as to leave a reduced section 44 which is received in the aperture 42 of the arm 4|. A plate 45 with a keyhole slit surrounds the reduced portion 44 below the arm 4| to prevent withdrawal of the rod 40 from the arm. A helical compression spring 46 is mounted on the rod 40 the top plate 38, and has a screw connection 48 and has one end, as shown, bearing against the arm 4| and its other end bearing against an abutmail; 41 which, as will be pointed out in detailv hereinafter, also constitutes a wall dividing the casing l4 into two chambers [4a.- and 44b. The compression spring 48 takes up lost motion and insures that the plate 45 will at all times be positioned against the abutment 43.

The rod 4!, as shown. extends upwardly through with this plate. On the upper end 01 the rod, there is an adjusting knob 49. Thisknob, as shown, has a central internal cavity 50 into which the upper end of the rod 40 extends. This end of the rod --is provided with a screw-thread 5|, which receives a nut 52 secured within the recess of the knob. Bearing on the under side of this nut is aconipression spring 53 whose lower end upon a. fixed member 54 rigidly secured to the knob. The member 54 is provided with a centrally arranged aperture to receive the upper end of the rod, as shown. It will be understood that the knob is attached to the rod by inserting the upper end of the rod through the aperture'in creator etl member 54 and threading into the which has a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the ring 5i, and about which the ring is fitted. The ring Si is secured against relative rotary and vertical motion with reference to the friction plate 58 by a pair of screws iii],

but may be rotated on the plate to effect an ad justment of the knob 49 relative to the rod Ml when the screws are loosened. It will be Linden stood that this adjustment is a factory adjust-- ment and when once set generally does not need to be reset. The knob, as shown, is provided with a temperature scale 6| which cooperates with a fused index B2 to assist the attendant in setting the device.

A. stop 63 formed as a projection on the upper edge of the side walls of the casing limits the movement of the lug 55 in opposite directions, and thus limits the range of adjustment oi the knob 49.

Preferably the outer wall ii of the oven will be provided with an outwardly directed circular protuberance 54 under the edge oi the lunch ME. It will be observed that when the knob it! is rotated, the rod #0 will be moved longitudinally in the casing because of the threaded connection 48. This movement of the rod varies the post tion of the support 20 on its shaft 2i, and, therefore, varies the position of the neutral line of the thermostat. This, as previously pointed out. changes the temperature setting of the control device.

As pointed out previously, the abutment 41 also constitutes a wall dividing the casing l4 into two chambers Ma and Nb. As showmthe wall 47 is located substantially in the same plane as the upper wall IU of the heating chamber 1 I through which the thermostat is inserted, and is provided with a slit 55 through which the bimetal blade passes. The lower chamber Mb constitutes a heating chamber for the bimetal bar I9. As shown, this portion of the chamber is provided with a plurality of relatively large apertures 65a and is open at the bottom so that the oven gases can freely circulate around and about the portion of the. bimetal blade within the chamber I4b. Preferably, the lower ends 66 of the four side walls of the casing are tapered and bent inwardly somewhat, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, so as to i'orm protection means for the lower end of the temperature control device.

The upper chamber a, as shown, houses the switch contacts 25 and 26 and the snap spring 33. The wall 41 constitutes a heat barrier between the chamber I41) and the chamber Ila whereby the switch contacts and spring are protected from the oven gases. This prevents oven greases and moisture from accumulating on the contacts, and the snap spring and its pivot seats 34 and 35, the

fixed pivot 36 and knife-edge bearing on the end i of the blade. This insures accuracy and sensitivity of operation. The chamber Hais for all practical purposes a pocket closed to the circulation-ot the oven gases.

It will be observed in view of the foregoing arrangement that the heat is imparted by the ovens gases directly to the support 10, and that portion of the thermostat bar 59 lyingwithin the chamber Mb. Heat imparted tothis portion of the bar travels by conduction to that part of the bar within the chamber Ha. Because of this arrangement, the thermostat bar I9 is arranged as is the temperature control device described and claimed in the copending application of the R. A. Winborne, Serial No. 80,770, filed May 20, 1936, and assigned to the same assignee as this invention. That is, the movable end portion lila 01 the thermostat is arranged reversely tothe main portion H91} in order to provide a uniform temperature control ior all heat cycles of the thermostat.

In the operation of the thermostat it will be understood that terminals 32 will be connected in the oven circuit or in a controlling circuit for the oven circuit, and that the thermal blade it in responding to the temperature of the oven gases will operate the switch between its open and closed positions to control the energization of the oven heating element to maintain a substantially uniform temperature in the oven. The temperature that is held in the oven is adjusted by the knob l9.

While 1 have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I ll do not wish to be limitedthereto since rriany modifications may be made and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any i such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A temperature control device comprising an elongated casing having side walls and an end wall, a relatively elongated temperature responsive element mounted lengthwise in said casing, the element having a relatively fixed portion and a portion movable in response to' changes in temperature, a pivot in the end of said casing that is opposite said end wall, a support on said pivot, 1 means securing said relatively fixedportion oisaid temperature responsive element to said support, a snap spring bearing on said movable portion-a fixed pivot in said end wall forming a bear= ing for the other end oi said spring, on adjustment rod directed through said end wall having a mechanical connection with said support to vary its position on said pivot and thereby the angular relation of said movable portion of said temperature responsive element and said spring, and

means outside of said casing for adjusting the position of said rod.

bur

said temperature responsive element to said support, a snap spring bearing on said movable portion,a "lined pivotin said end wall forming a -bearing ior'the other end of said spring, anadiust merit rod directed through said end wall and extending into said casing substantially to the.

location of said first pivot, a member on said sup-' port extending laterally therefrom having an aperture receiving the inner end 01' said rod, said rod having a. reduced section defining a head on said inner end, a plate received in said reduced section bearing against said member to prevent withdrawal of the member from the rod, a spring acting on said member forcing it into engagement for adjusting the position of said rod.

3. A temperature control device comprising a movable support, a bimetallic thermostat bar having one end rigidly secured to said support, audits other end free to move in response to temperature changes, a fixed support opposite said latter end, an extension on said movable support substantially at right angles to said bimetallic bar, an adjusting screw mounted in said fixed support in substantially parallel relation with said bimetallic bar having one end directed through an aperture provided for it in said end of said extension, an abutment on said screw bearing on the adjacent side of said extension and a spring on the other side of said extension forcing said extension into engagement with said abutment.

4. In an oven having inner inner and outer walls defining a heating chamber and an outer casing spaced from the heating chamber, a casing adapted to be inserted through said walls so that the inner end of the casing projects into said heating chamber, a switch in the portion of said casing that is within the space between said heating chamber and outer casing, a thermostatic bar secured in the portion of said casing that extends into said heating chamber connected to said switch to operate it between its opened and closed positions responsively to the temperature or the heating chamber, a snap-acting spring Within the casing portion housing said spring cooperating with said thermostatic member to operate it between its open and closed positions with a snap action, a partition in said casing interposed be tween said heating chamber and said switch and spring. substantially closing the portion or" said casing housing these members to the heating atedby said free end, a transverse partition in said casing between said inner and outer end portions positioned substantially in alignment with saidwall of said oven, and said inner end portion of said casing being-provided with rela-.

tively large openings to permit the oven gases to circulate freely around and about the part of said thermostat in said portion.

6. In an oven provided with an inner lining defining a heating chamber and an outer lining spaced therefrom, together with insulating mas terial in the space between said linings, a temperature control device comprising an elongated casing projecting through said linings and insulating material so as to have an inner end poption projecting into said'heating chamber, a .bimetallic thermostat bar within and extending longitudinally of said casing having its inner end secured in the inner end portion of. said casing and its other end free to move laterally in the outer portion or said casing between said linings, a snap spring in said latter portion acting on said free end, a switch also in said latter portion operated by said free end, said inner portion of said casing having openings to permit the oven gases to circulate about the portion of said bar in said inner portion, a partition in said casing ill between said inner and outer portions thereof to protect said switch and spring from said oven. gases and provided with a slot through which said bar passes, and a temperature adjusting inch for said control device accessible on the exterior oi said outer lining '7. In an oven having inner walls defining a heating chamber and outer walls definin r an outer casing spaced from the heating chanaher, a temperature control device conipris casing adapted to be inserted through sai their and outer walls so that the inner end oi the casing projects into said heating charnher, switch in. the portion. of said casing that is within .e space between. said. heating chamber and outer ng, thermostatic member secured in. the portion casing that extends into said heating Ci'miLKlher connected to said switch to operate hetween its opened and closed positions responsive-Irv the temperature of the heating chamber, and a partition in said casing interposed oetween said heating chamber and said switch substantially closing the portion of said casing housing the switch to the heating chamher.

In an oven having inner walls defining a heating chamber and outer walls defining an outer casing spaced from the heating charoher, a temperature control device comprising a cas ing adapted to be inserted through said outer and inner walls so that the inner end oi" the casing rejects into said heating charnher, a switch in the portion. of said casing that is with in the space between said heating chamber and outer casing, a thermostatic member ecured in the portion of said casing that extends into said heating chamber connected to said switch to onerate it between its opened and closed positions resnonsively to the temperature oi the heating chamber, a partition in said casing interposed between said heating chamber and said switch substantially closing the portion of casing housing the switch to the heating chamber and said portion of said casing within said heating chamber having openings to provide the circulation of oven gases through the portion.

9. In an oven having inner walls defining a heating chamber and outer walls defining an outer casing spaced from the heating chaniher, a temperature control device comprising a casing adapted to be inserted through said outer and inner walls so that the inner end of the casing projects into said heating chamber, a switch in the portion of said casing that within the space between said heating chamber and outer 5 casing, a thermostatic member secured in the portion oi said casing that extends into said heating chamber connected to said switch to operate it between its opened closed positions responsivel v to the temperatinre olf ti eating lil chamber, a partition in said casing enclosed hetween said heating chamber and st 1d switch substantially closing the portion oi said or housing the switch to the heatin temperature adjustment rod eaten in the casing and partition to eiurnd into t tion of the casing in hes chat onerahly associat i witn the therrnosta her secured in eaic portion. to change neratnre setting or said control. device position said rod is changed, and means elated wi said rod outside oi" said out casing for adjusting the position oi rod.

ill. in an oven having inner walls d ing a heating chamber and outer walls defining outer casing spaced from the heating chaniher, a temperature control device comprising adapted to he inserted through said outer and inner walls so that the inner end of the can g projects into said heating chamber, an opening .lll in the portion of said casing that is within the space between said heating chamher and outer casing, an insulating support outside oi id ing closing said opening and carrying switch con tacts that are presented'to the interior oi" aid casing, movable switching means within ing opposite said opening for opening a ing said contacts, a thermostatic roe sc cured the portion of said casing that cisterns into said heating chamlier connected to d movable switching means to onerate sat to open and close contacts resno: the temperature oithe heating chanihei partition in said casing interposed hetw heating chamber and said switching in contacts substantially closing the nortior casing that houses them to the heating c and 4:; i said when 

